Amy Zeilenga, the chamber's executive director, said the contest aims to bring residents as well as those who have never visited Byron Center to the downtown area.

"We want people 'steering into' our great community to visit all the quaint places, do business with our solid businesses and get to know the genuine people here," she said.

Zeilenga said the chamber held a similar event featuring the Byron Center chicken about eight years ago. The chicken, named "Byron DeChicken," previously was located on 84th Street, but has been removed for fiberglass repairs.

The new contest was inspired by the steer statue, "Sir Loin," at Byron Center Meats, 8375 Freeland Ave. SW.

Zeilenga said downtown visitors can place their picks for the best decorated steer in ballot boxes located at participating businesses during business hours. Along with the public vote, the chamber has selected judges to evaluate the decorations.

She said the winner will receive a gift basket from Byron Center Meats as well as a blue ribbon.